Physical contact should go a long way toward determining quality of OL, DL, RBs and LBs

DAVIE – — The Miami Dolphins are scheduled to have their first practice in full pads Tuesday, which means everyone should find out a lot more about the physical, contact positions such as offensive and defensive lines, and running back.

So far the OTAs (Organized Team Activities) and mini-camp workouts have been a little more than glorified touch football because players are only in shorts, practice jerseys and helmets. But now the entire tone of training camp changes.

"It's a lot more physical," linebacker Koa Misi said. "Drills change and speed changes. You're still not bringing guys down to the ground but you want to get that first contact and make sure you're fitting right and you're in the right gaps. You definitely want to bring it when the pads first start. Everybody wants to show what they have."

Linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler, the new additions, will be watched closely Tuesday as will wide receiver Mike Wallace and tackles Jonathan Martin and Tyson Clabo.

Observations

Defensive tackles Randy Starks, Paul Soliai and Jared Odrick are probably the best trio on the team at any single position. Others that might be in the argument are the cornerback trio of Brent Grimes, Richard Marshall and Dimitri Patterson, the wide receiver trio of Wallace, Hartline and Brandon Gibson, and the defensive end trio of Cameron Wake, Olivier Vernon and Dion Jordan. …

It's unclear how the Dolphins will utilize their defensive backs in the nickel (five defensive backs) formation but so far it appears as though Patterson will come in and play with Grimes and Marshall, the starting cornerbacks, and Marshall will play inside with Patterson and Grimes on the outside. ….

Either Dolphins coach Joe Philbin gave his players very specific instructions, or they're just wise. Either way, none would dare touch the "Free Hernandez" cap worn by center Mike Pouncey a couple of weeks ago. Hartline, Martin and left guard Richie Incognito all declined comment when asked whether they've talked to Pouncey about the hat and what they thought about the hat. ….

Attendance was probably around 1,200 for Monday's practice, a significant drop from Sunday's attendance of 2,700. But most likely that's because more people had to work on Monday.

Who's up

Tight end Michael Egnew, the much-maligned second-year player from Missouri who was only active for two games last season took a good amount of snaps with the first team on Monday. This is different from Sunday when Dustin Keller and Charles Clay took most of the first-team snaps.

Who's down

Fullbacks Jorvorskie Lane and Evan Rodriguez find themselves involved in fewer plays. The Dolphins are often lining up tight ends in the backfield to block for the tailbacks. It should be noted, however, Lane took a few snaps with the first team Monday.

Injury update

Rookie cornerback Jamar Taylor, the second-round pick from Boise State, appeared to be limping about midway through practice and at one point was carrying a bag full of ice although he wasn't spotted applying to ice to any body part. Taylor, who missed much of off-season after hernia surgery, didn't participate in practice after being seen limping.

Quote of the day

"I'd smoke him."

--WR Brian Hartline's joking response when asked how he'd do against Wallace in a foot race.